What is "DIEC"???????????? In '95 I had a mastec + tram flap reconst at the same time. It was, for me, the only way to go. Not all docs are willing to do this. They want you to wait till after chemo. I was adamant. There could be complications, it was explained. I was determined to have absolutely NO complications. It was all bad enough as it was. They cut me from hip to hip, got a tummy tuck in the deal as they remove fat from that area, along with SKIN, muscle, tendons, nerves, the works and re-route it up to the breast area. Then they form or create a brand new breast! It feels like there was a large heavy boulder hanging from my chest. I had been warned of this feeling, but, could not imagine.
I was not a candidate for implants or the like, as they would take the skin in my mastec. 9 cm tumor, going wide around the margins, taking 18 nodes gave me only this option. I have been very pleased. In clothing I look normal. I am a C cup+ and didn't want to look lop-sided nor deal w/a prosthetic. Wanted to see something when in a nightgown. We don't all get options. For me, it was cut and dried. (Is that how the expression goes?) You get the point. I'd been told the belly skin is lighter. I knew that but was aghast when I saw the difference. I recovered from the shock and now I deal. All the scars, etc are badges of courage and reminders that I AM SURVIVOR. That's how I chose to see it. For more details contact me at:
AndiBB@AOL.com.
Good luck w/your chosen reconstruction. Enjoy it! I am. Sending much loving, healing energy to ALL my soul sisters, ALWAYS... ANDI